TB Hasanuddin's Comments on Prabowo's Desire to Act as US-Iran Mediator
TB Hasanuddin, a member of the House of Representatives’ Commission I, has stated that President Prabowo Subianto’s plan to act as a mediator between the United States and Iran is consistent with Indonesia’s independent and active foreign policy principles. He views such efforts as aligned with the constitutional mandate to safeguard world peace.
Nevertheless, Hasanuddin cautioned that such a step must involve careful and thorough calculation.
“The President’s intention to serve as a facilitator in resolving the conflict with Tehran is consistent with the free and active principles in maintaining world peace as mandated by the constitution. However, this intention also requires careful calculation,” Hasanuddin stated through a written statement on Sunday, 1 March 2026.
Israel launched an unprovoked attack on Iran on Saturday morning, 28 February 2026. The attack was reportedly carried out as a joint military operation between the United States and Israel.
In response to this military escalation in the Middle East, Indonesia issued an official statement through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing deep regret at the failure of negotiations between the United States and Iran.
The Indonesian government, through the President of the Republic of Indonesia, conveyed its readiness to facilitate dialogue to restore conducive security conditions in the region. If approved by both parties, President Prabowo stands ready to travel to Tehran to conduct mediation.
Hasanuddin identified at least three key considerations that must be addressed. First, a dialogue facilitator must be accepted by both conflicting parties. This politician from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle observed that Indonesia’s current diplomatic moves appear to lean towards the United States and Israel through involvement in the Board of Peace.
“It is difficult to imagine Iran accepting easily,” Tubagus noted.
Second, conflict facilitation requires serious commitment. According to him, Indonesia as mediator must dedicate time, energy, and even budget to facilitate the disputing parties. “Dialogue cannot be conducted only once or twice. The question is whether the President or Foreign Minister is truly prepared?” stated Hasanuddin.
Third, there is a need for clarity regarding Indonesia’s national interest in the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran. “What is Indonesia’s national interest or strategic calculation at stake that we should take on the role of facilitator?” he asked.
Hasanuddin emphasised that every major diplomatic step must have clear benefits for national interests.
Hasanuddin further suggested that it would be more relevant for Indonesia to take on the role of facilitator in the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border conflict. He noted that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, constitutes Indonesia’s “backyard.”
“This region must be peaceful and stable. That is directly related to Indonesia’s national interest,” concluded Hasanuddin.